Image source, Getty Images

By Sam Francis & Jonathan Blake

BBC News

Former Conservative chancellor Nigel Lawson has died at the age of 91.

Best known for his role as chancellor during the 1980s, Lord Lawson held several cabinet posts under Margaret Thatcher and served as Conservative MP for Blaby from 1974 to 1992.

PM Rishi Sunak called Lord Lawson a "transformational chancellor and an inspiration to me and many others".

Lord Lawson is survived by six children, including Nigella Lawson, a food writer and celebrity cook.

Obituary: Nigel Lawson

The prime minister posted a picture of himself as chancellor with the caption: "One of the first things I did as chancellor was hang a picture of Nigel Lawson above my desk."

"My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time," Mr Sunak added.

Former prime minister Boris Johnson paid tribute to Lord Lawson, calling him "a fearless and original flame of free market Conservatism".

In a series of tweets Mr Johnson praised him as "a tax-cutter and simplifier who helped transform the economic landscape and helped millions of British people achieve their dreams.